Meet Paul Gymziak: Founder/President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Gymziak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value that matters most to me is the community. When I started Dramatically Incorrect Theater Group and Dance Company AKA DITGDC for short, I wanted to create something amazing and safe. Gearing this company towards the community to help keep kids and adults off the street and to pursue their dream means the world to me. Growing up was tough on my mom. She worked three jobs to support her three kids and seeing the struggle of my mother so that i can do what i love Theater and Dance hits hard. I always told her she is my super hero. Supporting me and my dreams to one day pursue an amazing career. So with the background of knowing the struggle i wanted to help. Back then in the 80’s and 90’s things we way cheaper then these days. Being able to help kids with scholarship’s and sponsors to let them blossom into what they want and seeing the journey is the best reward ever. So the Value of our work has to be top notch, all our volunteers give 150% to all the students and the adult students. So much talent comes through our door and every one deserves a chance so shine. We don’t have clicks nor do we allow any form of bullying. as we say here at DITGDC “BE BOLD. BE DIFFERENT. BE DRAMATICALLY INCORRECT.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2011, I had an idea that I wasn’t sure would every see the light of day. In 2019, this idea came to light with some amazing helpers along the way. It wasn’t that easy to get here. Being told that I would never make it as a business owner, director, choreographer or singer was always in the cards. Being told that I need to grow up and stop dreaming, that i need to work a job to support myself because I will never get anywhere with this ridiculous dream. I was determined to get y name known. I started to weed out all the negativity in my life that was stopping me from moving these mountains. My sister heard about what I wanted to do and her and her husband were behind me 100% to get this dream a reality. March of 2019 we opened the doors of DITGDC. The obstacles weren’t over yet. Over coming the first year and figuring out how to become non profit to get the help we need to get theses kids and adults what they need to pursue their dreams. In July 2020, DITGDC received the letter of acceptance of being non profit. So many doors opening up for us in this up coming season and we are so thrilled to be where we are today. This pandemic was a huge step back for us, but we kept going and didn’t let it stop us. We did everything we could to make the money we needed to stay alive and we did as safely as we could. Most look at 2020 as the worst year but we look at it as our best season. We did a show every month, made so many friends and new family added to the DITGDC family including Stephen Foster and Chuck Pelletier. So with all of this, my creative side had to think outside the box and really make something that was the scariest of times into the best of times to keep everyone sane and to let everyone still enjoy the arts safely from their homes. I just want to say thank you to my board and everyone who believes in me, i wouldn’t be here with out all of your support. Don’t ever give up, Keep going because you never know what doors may open.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Where would I start. There is so much in New England that we could do. I would say, Here’s what I was thinking; First I will introduce you to the amazing kids and adults we have at DITGDC. All the lives that we have changed to help keep kids off the streets. Visiting me is like living in my shoes, I am like the energizer bunny, I keep going and going. Then we would plan a trip to see some amazing shows in the theater district. Take them to the best places to eat in the city and then in my home town. Hiking the great trails in my home town. Having them sit in on the classes i teach and maybe have them as a special guest in the class and have the kids learn things that I may not know. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The list is long but I defiantly want to shout out to Stephen Foster and Chuck Pelletier. Back in late August of 2020 Stephen had reached out to me about The Green Room. I was shocked that someone was looking into my theater group. I read through the show and listened to the music and was like im so in. We discussed terms and in October 2020 DITGDC did the first ever Green room virtual production. So many great reviews and the creators were so pleased and thrilled with the outcome. This was the start of the best friendship i could have ever asked for. We have continued to talk on a daily basis, this has turned into not only the Green Room but now we will be virtual bringing to the screen Legends and Bridge, written by Stephen Foster and music and Lyrics by Chuck Pelletier. The comedy about three amazing legends Joan, Bette and Judy will truly make you laugh so hard it will knock your socks off your feet. We are also working an a special project with Stephen and Chuck called Little Johnny Dickens. Keep an eye out for this hilarious Show that brings you into Nashville where little Johnny will keep you entertained with his special guest that will sing there new songs. But beware of the lovers quarrel.

Website: ditgdc.org

Image Credits
HeadShot: Ryan Tucker Pictures: Paul Gymziak